Julie – Canadian Association for Neuroscience

Graduate Student Positions in Behavioral & Systems Neuroscience – Botterill laboratory at University of Saskatchewan

Posted on 2024/08/30 | by Julie

The Botterill laboratory is accepting applications for graduate students (Master’s or PhD) in Neuroscience. Our laboratory is in the Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology at the University of Saskatchewan (Saskatoon, Canada).

About us: The Botterill Laboratory opened in January 2023 and is currently supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Discovery Grant program, an Establishment Grant from the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF), and a New Investigator Award from Epilepsy Canada. Our laboratory currently employs 2 graduate students, 3 undergraduate students, and 1 high school student.

Areas of Research: Our lab is focused on two primary areas of research. Our basic science research program is focused on studying the cells and circuits involved in learning, memory, and affective behaviors in mice. Projects related to this research area are currently investigating engram cells and hippocampal mossy cells across a range of behavioral tests (e.g., fear conditioning, open field, object memory, etc). Our second research area is focused on studying the neurobiological mechanisms underlying temporal lobe epilepsy. Epilepsy projects explore neural circuits that contribute to, exacerbate, and/or prevent seizure activity using mouse models, 24/7 video EEG, and gain- and loss-of function manipulations. Active collaborations also include studying novel cannabinoid-related compounds and their therapeutic potential for seizures.

Laboratory Techniques: Our laboratory utilizes a variety of behavioral and systems neuroscience approaches to address research questions from multiple perspectives. Our current techniques include:

Rodent behavioral testing (fear conditioning, open field, elevated plus maze, novel object tests, etc)
- Optogenetics, DREADDs, fiber photometry, brain infusions, inducible transgenic mice (e.g., TRAP2)
Mouse stereotaxic surgery (AAVs, fiber implants, depth electrodes, EEG assemblies, cannulae)
Mouse models of epilepsy with 24/7 video EEG recordings (pilocarpine or kainic acid)
Slice electrophysiology (whole cell patch clamp recordings, local field potentials)
Biochemistry (immunofluorescence staining of brain tissue, ELISAs) and PCR
Anatomy (e.g., viral tracing) and immunofluorescence microscopy

Location: The University of Saskatchewan is located in the heart of Saskatoon and is recognized as one of the most beautiful campuses in Canada. Saskatoon and the surrounding area is home to approximately 300,000 people.

Requirements: We welcome applications from highly motivated applicants with a passion for neuroscience.

Applicants should have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in neuroscience or related field. Undergraduate students with laboratory experience in the final year of their program are encouraged to apply.
Applicants should have a competitive academic record with excellent written and oral skills.
Experience with rodent handling and behavioral testing is preferred.
Ideal candidates will have experience in mouse stereotaxic surgery (AAVs), optogenetics/fiber photometry, animal models of epilepsy, and/or electrophysiological recordings (in vivo or in vitro).

Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience; however, we acknowledge the need to provide graduate students with a livable salary that exceeds the minimum standards.

Apply: All qualified applicants will be considered. We strongly encourage applications from individuals traditionally underrepresented in the sciences. Please contact (J.BOTTERILL@USASK.CA) with the following information:

A brief statement of research interests & goals
An up-to-date curriculum vitae with at least 2 references
A copy of your unofficial transcripts

Additional information:
Departmental Website (for tuition and other info): https://grad.usask.ca/programs/anatomy-physiology-pharmacology.php
Publications: https://scholar.google.ca/citations?hl=en&user=VL_1ODIAAAAJ
Laboratory Website: https://research-groups.usask.ca/botterillneurolab/index.php

The cellular secret of how memories are made, and lost

Posted on 2024/08/22 | by Julie

Dr. Sheena Josselyn

From: SickKids news

Scientists use a peptide to strengthen connections between brain cells and restore memory in a pre-clinical model.

Research led at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is illuminating the mechanism underlying memory, which could result in future therapeutic targets for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease is a condition that causes memory loss, characterized by the accumulation of a protein, called A-beta, in the brain that damages neurons and their connections.

Published in Nature Neuroscience, Drs. Paul Frankland and Sheena Josselyn, Senior Scientists in the Neurosciences & Mental Health program, used a peptide to block adverse effects of the accumulation of A-beta in pre-clinical models – a technique that showed promise in restoring memory.

Continue reading →

Canadian Postdoc Seminar Series – Call for Organizers (2024-2025)

Posted on 2024/08/21 | by Julie

Dear CAN members,

With the growing success of the Canadian Neuroscience Seminars – Postdoctoral Series (CNS-PDS), we are delighted to announce a “Call for Organizers” for the third round of CNS-PDS (2024-2025).

The CNS-PDS initiative, organized by postdocs for postdocs, promotes research accomplishments of postdocs throughout Canada and Canadian postdocs abroad. Our speakers have a unique opportunity to increase their scientific visibility and network within the CAN community. These seminars also give a room for the CAN community to interact with the next generation of neuroscientists.

The series takes place monthly in the format of virtual presentations, and features scientific talks from talented postdocs in any field of fundamental or clinical neuroscience.

Currently we are inviting CAN postdocs to join the committee for the upcoming year (2024-2025) to help organize the seminars. Being part of this committee is not only an excellent way of expanding your network, but it is also a great opportunity to gain leadership and outreach experiences along with making an impact in the scientific community.

Ideally, the organizing committee will be representative of multiple institutions across Canada. To promote better representation, people who identify as belonging to under-represented groups in neuroscience research are strongly encouraged to apply.

Duties of the committee will include reviewing submissions, speaker selection, organizing the 2025 schedule and hosting seminars. Please note that while serving on the committee, members are prohibited from presenting their work at the seminars due to conflict of interest.

If you are interested in being part of next year’s committee, please fill out the following Google form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/195KIEUMr9beb4nTCdkqEYv8u64DGwBrThO85CGlUSPQ

Application deadline: SEPTEMBER 6, 2024, by 11:59 pm (Pacific Time)

Questions? Contact seminars@can-acn.org

Sincerely,

CNS-PDS Committee

Twitter: @CNS_PDS

MSc or PhD student: Vascular repair mechanisms following traumatic brain injury – University of Manitoba

Posted on 2024/08/20 | by Julie

Project description:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes the loss of vascular cells and dysfunctional blood flow, which limits oxygen and nutrient support to the tissue. This exacerbates cell death and prevents the activation of neurorepair mechanisms involving neural stem cells (NSCs). Strategies to improve cerebral vascular repair have the potential to promote successful neuro-regeneration and improve the lives of TBI patients. Currently, thereI is a limited understanding of how cerebral blood flow and NSC activation are related and can be enhanced to facilitate repair.

The Lindsey and Stobart labs have started a collaboration using an adult zebrafish model to investigate how new blood vessels and blood hemodynamics may direct NSC-driven regeneration after TBI. This is an exciting opportunity to learn diverse techniques that bring together expertise from both labs. Students will learn:

Zebrafish neuroscience and the TBI model
In vivo two-photon microscopy of blood flow
Histological techniques (immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization)
FACS and flow cytometry
Proteomics analysis
Computer image analysis

We are looking for motivated candidates who hold a B.Sc. or MSc. in biology or related discipline. They must be interested in neurobiology, have good problem solving skills, and can work independently. Previous experience with zebrafish is beneficial.

Successful candidates will be admitted to the graduate program through the Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science at the University of Manitoba where they are expected to complete some course work in addition to research experiments. All students will be paid a stipend to cover tuition and living expenses. If the student is successful in the first year of the program, there will be an opportunity to transition directly to the PhD program. International students who are from countries where the primary language is not English – regardless of the language of their instruction – will also require a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 100 out of 120 (equivalent to a TOEFL CBT of 250 out of 300, a TOEFL PBT of 600 out of 677, or an IELTS score of 7.5 out of 9.0).

Please submit a letter with statement of research interests, CV including research experience, official transcripts and contact details for 2 references by email. Contact information Please send your documents to:

Dr. Benjamin Lindsey
Assistant Professor
Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Canada
Benjamin.lindsey@umanitoba.ca

Dr. Jill Stobart
Assistant Professor
College of Pharmacy
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Canada
jillian.stobart@umanitoba.ca
www.stobartlab.com

Graduate student and post-doctoral positions: Neural basis of motor learning and performance, McGill University

Posted on 2024/08/20 | by Julie

The Sakata lab at McGill University is looking for motivated graduate (PhD) students and postdoctoral fellows to investigate the contribution of perineuronal nets (PNNs) and parvalbumin (PV) neurons in motor circuitry to motor performance and learning (see PDF). This CIHR-funded research program is comparative, involving experiments in songbirds (zebra finches) and mice, and conducted in collaboration with the labs of Profs. Alanna Watt and Sarah Woolley (McGill). Because songbirds learn their vocalizations (in ways similar to how humans learn to speak) and possess discrete neural circuits for vocal learning and performance, songbirds are powerful animal models to reveal the neural mechanisms underlying vocal motor learning and control, including the contribution of PNNs and PV neurons to vocal performance and plasticity. Mice are an established model system to reveal locomotor plasticity and control and allow for genetic approaches to understanding PNN function. Experiments will involve behavioral analyses as well as pharmacological, viral, and genetic manipulations of PNN expression in focal brain areas. Collectively, these experiments will provide foundational and novel insights into mechanisms of skill acquisition, sensorimotor integration, neural plasticity, and movement and speech disorders.
PhD students and postdoctoral fellows will be part of an expansive neuroscience community at McGill and can take advantage of resources in the Department of Biology, Integrated Program in Neuroscience, Advanced Bioimaging Facility, and Centre for Research on Brain, Language, and Music. Outside the lab, trainees will be immersed in a diverse and exciting culture and able to live in the vibrant and affordable city of Montreal.

Contact information

Those interested in applying should contact Prof. Jon Sakata (jon.sakata@mcgill.ca) and include a description of their research history and research interests and a copy of their CV. Prospective graduate students should include their university transcripts.

Application deadline: Dec 31, 2024

View PDF version

Ad-for-positions-Sakata-Lab-2024 Download

Read our submission to pre-budget consultations

Posted on 2024/08/02 | by Julie

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance invited Canadians to participate in its annual pre-budget consultations process. The committee will table a report on these consultations in the House of Commons with recommendations to be considered by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance in the development of the 2025 federal budget.

Read CAN’s submission to these consultations here:

CAN FINA submission

Post-doctoral or PhD Position for the development of a neuroprosthesis that supports the production of complex movements – Université de Montréal

Posted on 2024/07/03 | by Julie

A PhD position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Numa Dancause at the Université de Montréal, Department of Neurosciences. Our group investigates the mechanisms underlying movement control, neural plasticity involved in motor recovery post-brain injury, and the effects of neuromodulation techniques such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the brain. We employ rodent and macaque monkey models, and benefit from collaborations with human-focused research groups through our Canadian platform Can-Stim. Here is a full list of our published work.

The project: The PhD candidate will develop a flexible neuroprosthesis for the motor cortex capable of supporting the production of complex movements. This project is part of a multidisciplinary collaborative effort with the labs of Dr Benoit Gosselin (Université Laval), Guillaume Lajoie (UdeM) and Marco Bonizzato (Polytechnique). It integrates the use of machine-learning approaches to optimize neurostimulation, automation of behavioral data collection and wireless stimulation and electrophysiological data recording technologies. The project will involve:

Help design the neuromodulation platform, integrate the different components and improve performance
Conducting neural recordings and stimulation in behaving monkeys.
Programming in MATLAB or Python for data analyse
Adapt and improve the machine-learning algorithm to the new platform
Collaborating with interdisciplinary neuroscience, engineering, applied maths and data science, computational and clinical rehabilitation teams.
Your profile:
Training in neuroscience, electrical or biomedical engineering or a related field.
Strong programming skills, particularly in MATLAB or Python for analyses of neural signals are strong assets
Previous experience with animal models using electrophysiological techniques AND/OR neuromodulation techniques
Background knowledge in electronics and experience in signal processing.
Background knowledge of machine-learning, AI, and computational neuroscience.
Motivation to pursue innovative research in biomedical engineering and motor rehabilitation.
Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a research team.
Different roles in the project, with varying degrees of experimental versus theoretical/algorithmic focus are possible. Candidates with diverse skills and career objectives will be considered.

Why UdeM?: The Université de Montréal offers a stimulating research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and international collaborations. Montréal is renowned for its vibrant neuroscience community. The lab is part of multiple research groups with research interest in fundamental biomedical research (Centre d’innovation biomédicale; CIB), bridging neurosciences and artificial intelligence (Union Neurosciences et Intelligence Artificielle – Québec; UNIQUE), and brain function and learning (Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherche sur le Cerveau et l’Apprentissage; CIRCA).

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter outlining their research interests and career goals, a detailed CV, academic transcripts, and contact information for two references to Numa.Dancause@umontreal.ca.

Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

PDF version of this advertisement

Post-doctoral or PhD Position on Neurophysiological Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) in Preclinical Models of Stroke – Université de Montréal

Posted on 2024/07/03 | by Julie

A postdoctoral or PhD position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Numa Dancause at the Université de Montréal, Department of Neurosciences. Our group investigates the mechanisms underlying movement control, neural plasticity involved in motor recovery post-brain injury, and the effects of neuromodulation techniques such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the brain. We employ rodent and macaque monkey models, and benefit from collaborations with human-focused research groups through our Canadian platform Can-Stim. Here is a full list of our published work.

The project: The PhD candidate will investigate the effects of rTMS in macaque stroke models, integrating neural and electromyographic recordings while employing an exoskeleton interface, the KINARM. The project will involve:

Conducting neural recordings in behaving monkeys.
Implementing and analyzing lesion models and neuro-recovery processes.
Programming in MATLAB or Python for data analysis.
Collaborating with interdisciplinary neuroscience, engineering, computational and clinical rehabilitation teams.
Your profile:
Training in neuroscience, biomedical engineering, behavioral sciences, or a related field.
Strong programming and electrophysiological data analysis skills, particularly in MATLAB or Python.
Experience with electrophysiological techniques in vivo AND/OR behavioral shaping in non-human primates or other animals AND/OR neuromodulation techniques.
Motivation to pursue innovative research in neurobiology and motor rehabilitation.
Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a research team.

Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

View a PDF version of this advertisement

Postdoctoral Associate, Neuroscience – Joy lab at Jackson Laboratory

Posted on 2024/06/27 | by Julie

The Joy lab is looking for a motivated postdoctoral candidate interested in studying circuit repair and motor behavior after stroke with the goal of identifying translatable therapies for stroke recovery.

The focus of the lab is to determine how brain circuits reorganize after a stroke, contributions of these reorganizational process to motor function, molecular signatures that drive recovery and therapeutic targets for stroke. We use a host of techniques including but not limited to large-scale mesoscopic calcium imaging, optogenetics, gene targeting with viral vectors or transgenics, transcriptomics and ethological measurements of behavior.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in Biological Sciences or nearing completion, experience in one or more of the above techniques, a strong background in neuroscience and optionally molecular biology and data science. We are looking for a candidate that is driven, can leverage the lab’s existing expertise and build upon this and does not shy away from new ideas/approaches and challenges. Additionally, the candidate will have access to JAX’s unique postdoctoral training program that offers support and substantial guidance for building an independent career in science through applications to postdoctoral and transition awards.

This is also a unique opportunity to explore the beautiful outdoors and the coastline of Bar Harbor, ME , be it a day at the Acadia National park, a walk through the carriage roads, sailing in the Atlantic , snow sports or being part of the exuberant festivities over the Summer.

Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a 1-page cover letter briefing your training, current and future interests, CV and contact information for 2-3 references.

The Joy lab supports postdocs that have either academic or non-academic long-term career goals, international candidates, women and candidates from all backgrounds. We truly believe in equal opportunity for all.

JAX Salary
Year 0 – 1 $65,589
Year 1 – 2 $67,318
Year 2 – 3 $69,095
Year 3 – 4 $70,521
Year 4 – 5 $72,877
Year 5 – 6 $75,569

#CA-NF7

About JAX:

The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California), Japan and China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.

Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community. For more information, please visit www.jax.org.

EEO Statement:

The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.

Contact information:

Nicole Fraser, Talent Acquisition Partner
Nicole.Fraser@jax.org

Please apply here: https://thejacksonlaboratory.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/External_JAX/job/Bar-Harbor-Maine/Postdoctoral-Associate—Neuroscience—Joy-Lab_JR004213

Postdoctoral Fellow in Focused Ultrasound (FUS) Neuromodulation Imaging/Electrophysiology and Modeling – University of Calgary

Posted on 2024/06/27 | by Julie

A motivated Postdoctoral Fellow is sought to join a unique multidisciplinary team of imaging and ultrasound engineers (Bruce Pike, Sam Pichardo, Kartik Murari) and neuroscientists (Zelma Kiss, Darren Clark, Patrick Whelan, Andrea Protzner). The project is NSERC-funded and involves focused ultrasound (FUS) neuromodulation imaging/electrophysiology and modeling. Focused ultrasound is emerging as an important neuromodulatory tool, allowing for non-invasive or minimally invasive alteration of brain network function. The mechanisms of FUS action are not well-understood. The candidate would use in vitro and in vivo animal models to interrogate how FUS alters neural function, with access to cutting edge equipment from InSightec, BrainSonics, as well as custom-built focused ultrasound systems and software. The post-doc will present at local and international conferences (e.g. International Symposium on Therapeutic Ultrasound will be in neighbouring Banff in 2025), have opportunities for teaching or industry relationships, and expand the project into new directions. Taking ownership of the work will allow them to apply for their own fellowship funding from local and national/international organizations, with the support of their network of mentors.
Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include participating in planning and intellectual development of projects, taking leadership roles in experiments, papers, presentations, applications, and mentoring graduate and undergrad students.
Candidate Requirements:
Must have a PhD with a strong background in electrophysiology, modellingand/or intravital imaging.
Be within 5 years of PhD completion and have a publication record in respected scientific journals.

Benefits and Training Environment:

A competitive salary and benefits will be provided through the University of Calgary post-doctoral training stream, including health spending account.
Contracts are offered yearly with potential for longer-term training due to the project’s 5-year duration.
The training environment within the Hotchkiss Brain Institute offers access to state-of-the-art translational research facilities, a weekly seminar series, and clinical rounds featuring leading international neuroscientists.

Contact information Please send CV and contact information for 3 references to Drs. Zelma Kiss and Bruce Pike at zkiss@ucalgary.ca or bruce.pike@ucalgary.ca

View a PDF of this advertisement:

UofCalgary PDF_FUS_jun24 Download

Author: Julie